OK…I’m guilty of not keeping up with this blog! I appreciate the emails from people asking me what’s up…especially my old buddy George who gave me a nudge the other day.

I was so happy Mel finally returned from Russia. Our first hang since we hit Costa Rica in January!

This has been the busiest February/March in the history of Bee…and April looks like it will be just as busy! Before I post my wee diary, I want to give you all a heads up to my Birthday Week activities. Most of the events this year are private: Last year was the big Five-O so I decided to dial it back just a bit this year. (And speaking of birthdays, I went up to North Bay for a night to have dinner with my Super Sis to celebrate her 50th a couple weeks ago.)

Shawna turned 50 but still looks 30 if you ask me!

My biggest party (open to the public as well as my friends) is at LULA LOUNGE WED APRIL 9…tix are $20 and info is at http://www.lula.ca and http://www.bullhorn.ca (This year I’ve opted for alternative pop instead of jazz – I’ve got so many jazz gigs on my calendar I figure it will be fun to switch it up this year.)

Chobo!

Talk about variety! Chobo (electronic), Luxury Bob (quirky pop), Maylee Todd (solo brilliance beyond description), Bonzai Suzuki (a project I’ve been involved with for a few years now, featuring many of my very closest friends) and wrapping up the night, a disco-punk band called Fitness. You can sit and dine or take to the dance floor. Dress to impress!

Salon night at Chez Bee featured Jessica Lalonde. What a voice!

Mary B at Chez Bee!

These last few Sundays I’ve been going to Jazz Bistro (3rd floor) to enjoy Don Francks and Steve Hunter. It’s a PWYC (or better, Pay What You Feel) event, with doors at 7 and show 8-9:30. Between the food, ambience and entertainment, I am in heaven every Sunday. I encourage you to come this Sunday, April 13 cuz it’s my actual birthday on that night and I’ll do a few tunes to open for them. Don is 82 and having so much fun that he has inspired me to “own” my age. I’ve given up on the idea that I’m 42 forever…cuz frankly, I look ok for 51, but I look like shit for 42!

Don Francks live in concert at Jazz Bistro Sunday! (photo by Ori Dagan)

My dad is also a big fan of Don Francks.

I’ve had a few loft parties in the past few weeks, a handful of jazz safaris and I’m currently in Chicago, flying home in a few hours to prepare for my birthday week…I host/throw events from Tuesday to Tuesday, April 8-15.

Winner of the Chicago John Malkovich look-a-like contest!

Jess Frohman has been assisting me with International Jazz Safaris for years and is about to leave JAZZ.FM91 and move to Hollywood. I’m gonna miss her so much!